Net Sheet for Sellers

When you consider what price you should accept when selling your home, there are two important factors that will influence your decision. The first factor is the basic sales price. The second, and more important, is the amount you will actually receive from the proceeds at the closing.

Your real estate agent will prepare a seller’s “net sheet” showing what your expenses will be. This will aid you in determining who pays what and when. It can help you to focus on the details of the sale.

A seller’s expenses will include brokerage fees, real estate settlement fees, title insurance fees and special assessments. In some cases the buyer may ask you to pay some of the loan fees. Local real estate taxes will be pro-rated for you and the buyer, and you may be asked to place funds in escrow for payment of your final water bill. Subtract your mortgage balance any home improvement loans and other liens against the property that will be paid at the closing to come up with your final figures.

Your real estate agent can go over all of these factors with you when you list your home for sale and again as offers come in.